ELAZIG GUNISIGI NEWSPAPER – May 2012
OBJECTIONS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
In my previous article, I shared my thoughts on the Malatya - Elazığ - Bingöl - Tunceli Planning Region, 1/100,000 Scale Environmental Development Plan, the Plan Explanation Report, the Plan Provisions, and the Plan Research Report. Before this article was published, I had already submitted my objections with petition number 5416 on May 15, 2012. I would like to share this petition with you below.
On April 25, 2012, the Malatya - Elazığ - Bingöl - Tunceli Planning Region, 1/100,000 Scale Environmental Development Plan, along with the Plan Explanation Report, the Plan Provisions, and the Plan Research Report, were put on public display. I believe that this plan does not fully reflect the current and future economic, social, and cultural conditions of Elazığ, and I suggest that opinions from relevant institutions should be sought again. Below are my reasons for objection:
REASONS FOR OBJECTION
- The Proposed Urban Development Area for Elazığ City Center is Insufficient: The areas on the southern side of the new South Ring Road in Elazığ are already included in the zoning plans, yet they are not included in the proposed Urban Development Area in the relevant maps (K42 map).
- Important Residential Development Areas in Elazığ are Overlooked: One of Elazığ's most important residential development areas is the Şahinkaya and Sarıçubuk regions. Şahinkaya Village is even on its way to becoming an urban neighborhood and has zoning plans. The 38th District (Çayda Çıra neighborhood) has been approved by the municipality council. Development in this area should not be limited to this, and areas like Cip Village and Körpe Village should definitely be included in the Urban Development Area.
- Fırat University's Land is Not Included: The thousands of acres of land of Fırat University, located between Malatya Road and Baskil Road, are missing from the maps. This land is important for the development of the second university in our city.
- Protection of Fırat University’s Current Location: Fırat University's location in the city center is an advantage. Its proximity to the city center is a significant factor in the university being preferred by students. Therefore, the existing university land should be preserved.
- Public Institution Areas are Underrepresented: There is insufficient design for Public Institution Areas that require large land use. The lack of such areas in the 2040 projection is a significant shortcoming in the planning process.
- Non-residential Urban Work Areas Need Revision: The non-residential urban working areas should be reviewed and revised.
- Economic Sectors in Elazığ: The report categorizes Elazığ's economic sectors in the following order: Logistics, Tourism, Industry, Mining. Despite Elazığ’s rich marble and mineral reserves, it is puzzling that mining is placed last, while logistics is prioritized. Elazığ, with agricultural areas like Uluova and Kuzova, should consider agriculture more prominently in the future development plan.
For a city to reach its deserved place, its future must first be envisioned correctly and with vision. It is encouraging to know that objections are being raised to contribute to the Environmental Development Plan. However, it is not enough to just object. The plan that will be corrected based on these objections must also be followed up on. I invite the relevant public institutions, private sector representatives, and NGOs to actively follow up on the updated Environmental Development Plan.
This kind of proactive engagement in shaping the future through planning and zoning can have a lasting impact on the city, ensuring it aligns with the needs of its residents and the potentials of its land and resources.